Incident Overview
A helicopter conducting a power line aerial observation flight was destroyed by post-crash fire after its pilot lost yaw control during a hover maneuver. The incident occurred as the aircraft operated near its maximum gross weight.
Flight Maneuver and Loss of Control
The pilot maneuvered the helicopter into an out-of-ground-effect (OGE) hover while exposed to a 12-knot left crosswind. During this maneuver, a nose-right yaw developed that resisted correction. Full left pedal application failed to arrest the rotation, and other remedial actions attempted by the pilot did not regain control.
Descent and Egress
As control could not be maintained, the helicopter descended to ground contact. All occupants successfully egressed from the aircraft. Subsequently, a post-crash fire consumed and destroyed the helicopter.
Pilot Statement and Advisory Circular Reference
The pilot stated that no mechanical anomalies existed that would have precluded normal operation, describing the event as "an aerodynamic issue, not a mechanical issue." The Federal Aviation Administration's Advisory Circular (AC) 90-95, titled "Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters," notes that maneuvers requiring high power and low airspeed in a left crosswind or tailwind create an environment where unanticipated right yaw may occur.
Summary of Facts
The helicopter was engaged in power line aerial observation at the time. The specific aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time, and number of occupants were not provided in the source. The source did not specify any injuries or fatalities, nor did it mention any weather characterization beyond the 12-knot left crosswind or air traffic control involvement.